Arrive Paro to Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Dhey Wang Tours and Treks representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1hours) following the Paro River .Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5th king coronation and on the way back stop at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972.

Afternoon we will visit the centenary farmer market open on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of people buy one week vegetables from here. Ground floor vegetables are mostly imported from India and you can also find our pure organic vegetables on top floor. Most of the sellers are from country side farmers and you can see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillis cheese and vegetables. Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Thimphu To Punakha

Morning you will drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,150 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 2 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Hotel:

 Punakha Halt

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside after picnic lunch,
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the “Unifier of Bhutan”. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.Overnight stay at hotel.

Punakha to Gangtey

After breakfast we will drive to Gangtey,its two and half hours journey. In Gangtey we will visit only and oldest Nyingmapa monastery in western part of Bhutan.Now monastery is look after by 9th body reincernation of Pema Lingpa.After that we are going to do nature trail hike (4 km 2hrs) through the marshy dwarf bamboo and blue pines which also decorated by long old man beard hanging from the trees. Every winter we can see around 300 to 400 black necked crane roosting in this marshy area.Overnight  at hotel.

Gangtey to Bumthang

Today morning you will drive to Bumthang (127kms 5hrs drive)crossing the Pelela Pass(3350m)The Pelela pass is u boundary between the eastern and western part of Bhutan.After driving more further downhill you will see beautiful landscape with cluster households called Rukopjee and Chendebji.You will have a lunch on the way.After lunch you will visit the massive Tongsa Dzong. It was Shabdrung’s great – grandfather who founded the first temple at Tongsa in 1543. In 1647 the Shabdrung had begun his great work of expansion and unification, realizing all the advantages that could be gained from Tongsa’s position; he constructed the first Dzong at the place where his ancestors had erected the temple. The Dzong was called Choekor Rabtentse. In 1652, Minjur Tenpa, the Penlop of Tongsa, had the Dzong enlarged. The Dzong is built in such a way that in the old days, no matter what direction a traveler comes from, he was obliged to pass through the courtyard of the Dzong. This helped to make the Penlop of this Dzong as powerful as it had a complete control over the east – west traffic. The watch tower above the Dzong  further strengthened its defense. The father of the first king known as the black regent and the first king served as the Governor of Tongsa before the emergence of the Bhutanese Monarchy, since then it has become a tradition for the young crown prince to serve as the Governor of this place before he is crowned. After Trongsa Dzong our  drive continue En-route Yotongla Pass(3450m) stops at Chummy village to visit yathra weaving central. Yathras are made into colourful scarves, bags, blankets and sweater. Continue drive to Bumthang. Overnight stay at hotel.

Bumthang Halt

Today Morning first, we will visit the Jambay Lhakhang: Is a sacred monastery built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen-Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.Kurjey Lhakhang (Kurjey means, “Body imprint”): The temple to the right was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint.Tamshing Lhakhang: This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message) .Chakhar Lhakhang: Besides the main road, a short distance beyond Jambay Temple is Chamkhar (Iron Castle). It is the site of the palace of the Indian King Sendha Gyab also known as Sindhu Raja.Jakar Dzong: The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of monks. Overnight at hotel.

Bumthang Ura Day excursion.

After breakfast drive to Ura valley, 0ne of the most beautiful valley. On the way visit the Mabertsho (burning lake) very sacred place to people of Bhutan. It believed treasure discoverer discovered sacred item from this burning lake during the 15^th century. You can continue your drive to Ura. After reaching Ura la pass you can hike down to clustered houses . Than visit the community temples. Panic lunch . Drive back to Bhumthang. Overnight hotel.  

Punakha to Paro

After breakfast drive back to Thimphu- Paro en-route Dochula pass. We will be having second chances to see the eastern Himalayas. Lunch at Thimphu. Afternoon we will visit the, School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art, If there is time, you may visit the traditional Hand made paper factory and live painting. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Paro Taktsang day excursion.

After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 6-7 hours (round trip for average hiker) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. On the return visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, oldest Temple in Bhutan and one of 108 temples built by Buddhist Tibetan king.  overnight at Hotel:

Paro to Bangkok

After Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY BACK TO YOUR HOME.